Natural Areas Association (NAA) is an association of scientists and practitioners focused on the management of ecologically significant natural landscapes with the intent to protect biodiversity for current and future generations. Natural Areas News is your trusted resource for current events, reliable science, conservation success, emerging challenges, best practices, and achievements of those who work daily to preserve natural areas.

 

 

Underdogs no more. Rodents are the power-house of prairies

New research reveals that prairie dogs boost grassland soil and vegetation health even more than bison, making them key players in prairie restoration. When scientists examined plant tissue and soil collected at each of the sites, a clear pattern emerged. Grasses in places with prairie dogs had higher levels of the nutrients nitrogen, potassium and magnesium. The soil there also had more carbon. 

 

Arizona’s tech-driven forest restoration sets example for west

Forest crews using digital tools like tablets, satellite imagery and LiDAR were able to prepare 10 times more land for treatment, 5 times faster and at 1/10 the cost of traditional paint-marking methods. This was done without compromising ecological outcomes. These results come from a restoration demonstration on the Coconino National Forest.

Photo courtesy of Robert Pos/USFWS, Public Domain

Habitats WatchList identifies most threatened bird habitats

Developed by American Bird Conservancy (ABC) in partnership with NatureServe and Habitats of North America, the Habitats WatchList now offers a new way to categorize, map, and assess risk for bird habitats. For decades, species watch lists have helped determine the plants and animals most at risk of extinction and inform conservation actions, though equivalent resources and formal watch lists for bird habitat vulnerability have been lacking. 

 

Save the Date: 2026 Natural Areas Conference in Asheville

Mark your calendar! The 2026 Natural Areas Conference: Where Science Meets Stewardship is coming to Asheville, North Carolina, October 5–8, 2026. This biennial gathering is the premier event for natural areas professionals, bringing together practitioners and researchers seeking applied science, practical solutions, and knowledge transfer related to the management of natural areas on a day-to-day basis.

In Other News

  • Items with an asterisk may require registration or a paid subscription to view*
  • Items that are italicized represent academic titles
 

New study reveals alarming Nevada groundwater declines

 

Scientists found one of the ‘rarest plants in the world’ in rural SC and are working to conserve it*

 

Michigan State University scientists contribute to global examination of pollinator habitat

 

Northern Illinois University study finds people-focused messages boost support for restoration

 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Releases Biennial Habitat Work Plan, Highlighting Work Across The State

 

Invasive plant found in three additional counties in southern Wisconsin

 

Pesticide use and insect decline: A complex issue with no easy solutions

 

Anne E. Davenport Natural Areas Support Fund established with $100,000 endowment

 

Kehl Lake Natural Area in Leelanau County joins old-growth network

 

Ancient fish species makes historic comeback in Missouri rivers

 

Eastern Shore Land Conservancy and Tall Timbers receive Cornell grant to bolster Eastern Shore bird conservation with prescribed fire

 

Bringing Life Back to Texas Marshes: A 24,250-Acre Wildlife Haven Gets a Makeover

 

The Sage Grouse Could Face More Development in Its Critical Habitat

 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Final Conservation Plan for Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District

 

Saving Ranching to Save Wildlife

 

Seeds of change: Assisting gene flow for climate-smart restoration

 

Establishing Reference Models for Ecological Restoration—Case Study from Colorado National Monument, USA

 

Want more content? Check out our Resource List to discover the latest on natural areas.

 

Recent YouTube Releases

 

Panel Discussion, Part #1 | Nature's Front Line

October 3, 2025

 

Fire through Space and Time on Appalachian Landscapes and Implications for Vegetation Change

September 26, 2025

 

Conservation of Forest Carbon as Climate Protection: Assessing Opportunities and Limitations

September 19, 2025

 

Job Opportunities

 
  • Have a Job Opening? Please remember to post with NAA. 
  • Need a Job? Be sure to stay in touch with the Job Board positions that are being updated regularly. 

Funding Opportunities

 

Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program and Recreational Trails Program

Deadline: October 17, 2025

 

Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program, Region 2

Deadline: October 20, 2025

 

Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program, Region 4

Deadline: October 20, 2025

 

Maine Coast Heritage Trust Climate Resilience Conservation Fund

Deadline: October 22, 2025

 

Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund

Deadline: November 15, 2025

 

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service | National Fish Passage Program

Deadline: December 31, 2025

 


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